Strategic Prosecution Division

First Assistant Sheryl Prichard
sprichard@franklincountyohio.gov

The Strategic Prosecution Division focuses on reducing crime through targeted, data-driven strategies and specialized prosecution approaches. Rather than reacting to crime alone, this division is centered on identifying patterns, addressing root causes, and implementing proactive solutions that enhance public safety.

A core component of this work is collaboration, with community partners, law enforcement, and service providers, alongside investments in prevention, intervention, and innovative programming. The division includes the Crime Strategies Unit, Specialized Prosecution Unit, Innovation Unit, and Post-Conviction Unit.

Crime Strategies Unit (CSU)

Chief Counsel John Gripshover
jgripshover@franklincountyohio.gov

The Crime Strategies Unit uses intelligence-driven prosecution to address areas of crime that require innovation in an evolving landscape. This unit analyzes crime patterns, tracks repeat offenders and monitors emerging trends to deploy resources where they can have the greatest impact.

Gun Unit

Zach Imwalle, Director
zimwalle@franklincountyohio.gov

The Gun Unit focuses on prosecuting offenses involving illegal firearm possession, firearm trafficking, and gun-related violence. Using intelligence-driven strategies, the unit targets repeat offenders and individuals who pose the greatest risk to public safety. Prosecutors work closely with law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms, hold offenders accountable, and reduce gun violence in the community.

Drug Unit

Carol Harmon, Director
caharmon@franklincountyohio.gov

The Drug Unit prosecutes serious drug offenses, including trafficking, distribution, and complex narcotics cases. This unit prioritizes cases that have the greatest impact on community safety, including those involving organized criminal activity and repeat offenders. By combining targeted prosecution with data analysis and strategic partnerships, the Drug Unit works to address both the supply of illegal drugs and the broader patterns driving drug-related crime.

Arson Unit

Cory Helffrich, Director
chelffrich@franklincountyohio.gov

The Arson Unit handles the prosecution of arson and fire-related offenses, including cases involving significant property damage, injury, or loss of life. Prosecutors in this unit work closely with fire investigators, forensic experts, and law enforcement agencies to evaluate complex evidence and ensure thorough, accurate prosecutions. The unit’s work is critical to public safety and the protection of communities, businesses, and first responders.

Specialized Prosecution Unit (SPU)

Chief Counsel Renee Amlin
ramlin@franklincountyohio.gov

The Specialized Prosecution Unit handles some of the most complex and high-impact cases, including officer-involved shootings, financial crimes, human trafficking, and non-support cases. This unit ensures that these matters receive focused expertise, careful review, and thoughtful prosecution.

Non-Support Unit

Contact: Megan Davis
mdavis@franklincountyohio.gov

The Non-Support Unit handles cases involving the failure to provide legally required financial support for children and dependents. This unit works to enforce court-ordered obligations while prioritizing compliance and stability for families. Through enforcement and coordination with partner agencies, the Non-Support Unit helps ensure children receive the support they are entitled to under the law.

Economic Crimes Unit

Jay Moore, Director
jmoore@franklincountyohio.gov

The Economic Crimes Unit prosecutes complex financial and white-collar offenses, including fraud, theft by deception, embezzlement, identity theft, and other financially motivated crimes. This unit focuses on cases that involve significant financial harm, abuse of trust, or impact on vulnerable victims. Prosecutors apply specialized expertise to investigate complex financial records, work with regulatory and law enforcement partners, and pursue accountability in sophisticated criminal schemes.

Innovation Unit (IU)

Led by Chief Counsel Laurie Arsenault
larsenault@franklincountyohio.gov

The Innovation Unit develops forward-thinking solutions that emphasize rehabilitation, diversion, and successful reintegration. This unit focuses on creating pathways that reduce recidivism, strengthen connections between the justice system and the community, and ensure outcomes that are both fair and effective.

By pairing innovation with accountability, the IU supports a justice system that serves the long-term safety and well-being of the community.

Appellate Unit

Chief Counsel Seth Gilbert
sgilbert@franklincountyohio.gov

The Appellate Unit represents the Prosecutor’s Office in criminal appeals and other post-trial matters. This unit reviews trial records, conducts legal research, and drafts appellate briefs to defend convictions and sentences in state and federal courts.

In addition to advocacy on appeal, the Appellate Unit provides legal guidance to trial prosecutors on complex legal issues, preservation of the record, and emerging case law. By ensuring consistent, well-reasoned legal positions and compliance with evolving legal standards, the unit helps uphold the integrity of convictions and strengthen prosecutorial practice across the office.